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Sean Cairncross Confirmed as National Cyber Director
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National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross. Cairncross received Senate confirmation to lead ONCD.

The Senate on Saturday voted 59-35 to confirm Sean Cairncross, a former Republican National Committee official, as the next national cyber director.

With his confirmation, Cairncross succeeds Harry Coker as head of the White House Office of the National Cyber Director.

In this capacity, he will serve as the principal adviser to the U.S. president on cybersecurity strategy and policy in relation to the coordination of information security and data protection; efforts to deter malicious cyber activity; and programs and policies meant to improve the U.S. cybersecurity posture, among others.

In February, President Donald Trump nominated Cairncross to the role.

Who Is Sean Cairncross?

Cairncross previously served as CEO of the foreign aid agency Millennium Challenge Corp.

During Trump’s first term, the former RNC chief operating officer was senior adviser to the White House Chief of Staff.

In a statement published Saturday, Cairncross said he is honored to serve the country and the president as the national cyber director.

“As the cyber strategic environment continues to evolve, we must ensure our policy efforts and capabilities deliver results for our national security and the American people. The United States must dominate the cyber domain through strong collaboration across departments and agencies, as well as private industry. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will enter a new era of effective cybersecurity policy,” he added.

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Edward Forst Nominated as GSA Administrator
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GSA Administrator nominee Edward Forst. Edward Forst was nominated as administrator of the General Services Association.

Edward Forst has been nominated by President Donald Trump as the next administrator of the General Services Administration, succeeding Robin Carnahan, who resigned in January after serving for nearly four years. The White House announced the nomination on Sunday.

Who Is Edward Forst?

Forst is a seasoned executive and investor with vast experience in the global financial services and real estate industries. He most recently served as chairman of London-based private equity firm Lion Capital for three years. He was also the CEO of Cushman & Wakefield from 2013 to 2015.

He spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs serving various senior executive roles, including general partner, management committee member and co-CEO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. He was also the executive vice president, chief administrative officer and chairman of the global capital commitments committee. He was a member of the board of GS Bank and chairman of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Forst served as EVP and principal operating officer at Harvard University during the financial crisis. He was also an adviser to the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Before that, he worked at Bankers Trust from 1982 to 1994, most recently as managing director.

He currently serves on the boards of the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, the Investment Committee of Roundabout Theater and the East Hampton Healthcare Foundation. He has also served on the boards of Carnegie Hall, Yale School of Management and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

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Senate Confirms Matthew Kozma as DHS Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis
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Matthew Kozma. The Senate has confirmed Kozma for a DHS undersecretary role.

The Senate voted on Thursday 53-44 to confirm Matthew Kozma as the new undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security for intelligence and analysis. In his role, Kozma would manage the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, which detects and addresses domestic and international threats, cyber risks and evolving national security issues, Homeland Security Today reported. He will lead the intelligence efforts to ensure the sharing of threat information between federal, state and local agencies. 

Senate Confirms Matthew Kozma as DHS Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis

Find out more about the challenges and opportunities of the agency at the Potomac Officers Club 2025 Homeland Security Summit on November 12. Get insights into the key developments of homeland security and learn how you can support government security initiatives.

Who Is Matthew Kozma?

In 2020, Kozma served as the chief intelligence officer of the intelligence community, where he led efforts to oversee and align IT investments and operations across its 17 agencies, FedScoop said. He worked with CIOs and senior leaders in the community and supported the director of national intelligence. 

Before that, he took on intelligence and technology leadership roles in the Department of Defense and the IC. He was an executive agent at the DOD’s Unified Platform and Joint Cyber Command and Control. Kozma graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and applied physics. 

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Adm. Daryl Caudle Is New Chief of Naval Operations After Senate Vote
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Adm. Daryl Caudle. Caudle is chief of naval operations following Trump's nomination and an affirmative Senate vote.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, a decorated lifelong Navy officer and engineer, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate late Thursday as the new chief of naval operations, DefenseScoop reported.

Adm. Caudle is a native North Carolinian whose prior posts have included commander of Submarine Forces, Submarine Force Atlantic and Allied Submarine Command, before taking on his most recent role as commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Dec. 2021.

The best place to learn about the U.S. Navy’s most pressing priorities and acquisition plans is Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26. This highly anticipated GovCon conference will feature keynote speeches from CIO Jane Rathbun and two of Caudle’s deputy chiefs of naval operations, Vice Adm. Brad Skillman and Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, among many other distinguished guests. Save your spot now to stay competitive in the industrial base; tickets are going fast.

What Will Caudle Focus On as CNO?

As CNO, Caudle succeeds Adm. Lisa Franchietti, who was relieved from her position by President Trump in February sans justification. Trump in turn nominated Caudle who is widely seen as an acceptable and qualified pick. (Adm. James Kilby has been serving as CNO in an acting capacity in the interim.)

When she was still in office, Franchietti laid out the CNO Navigation Plan, which Caudle told the Senate Armed Services Committee when questioned that he would support. The plan includes focus areas of unmanned systems, AI and methodologies for data deterrence and potential information warfare with adversarial powers in the Indo-Pacific.

Adm. Caudle is a four-star whose recognitions include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, four Defense Superior Service Medals, four Legions of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.

For more information on Adm. Caudle and what he plans to do as CNO, stay tuned for a longer article later this week on Potomac Officers Club’s website; sign up for the GovCon Daily newsletter to get it (and all the latest federal contracting news) delivered right to your inbox.

AI, unmanned systems and information warfare will all be central topics at the 2025 Navy Summit, from Potomac Officers Club. Catch fascinating panel discussions on these subjects and more on Aug. 26 at the Hilton McLean in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Adm. Daryl Caudle Is New Chief of Naval Operations After Senate Vote
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Leonardo, Elbit, QinetiQ Book Army FALCONS Phase 0 Agreements
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Army logo. The U.S. Army is working with industry on the FALCONS program

The U.S. Army’s Product Manager Ground Sensors, or PM GS, has awarded other transaction authority agreements to Leonardo DRS, Elbit America and QinetiQ as part of Phase 0 development of the Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical/Netted-fires Sensor, better known as FALCONS, program.

PM GS said Friday that Phase 0 will have a 12-month period of performance, with each vendor receiving $2 million.

FALCONS Phase 0 Details

Under the agreement, the companies will perform preliminary system model development, system specification review and technology maturity assessments and receive soldier feedback on their proposed platforms.

“This initial phase will allow the Army and our industry partners to collaboratively establish the FALCONS prototype’s foundation before bending any metal,” explained Lt. Col. Ryan Welch, product manager for ground sensors at the Army. “During Phase 0, the Army will be able to set the conditions for a prototype development phase that will maximize competition and ensure an incredible warfighting capability is affordable and delivered to our Soldiers.”

What Is the FALCONS Program?

FALCONS will connect military scouts and fire supporters, facilitating coordination and shortening the kill chain. The platform will be equipped with the Army’s third-generation Forward-Looking Infrared, or 3GEN FLIR, system, which allows troops to see enemy forces through darkness, smoke, rain, snow or fog.  

FALCONS is expected to replace the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System, or LRAS3, a platform that has been in operation since the start of the Iraq War.

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Senators Propose Bipartisan Bill to Establish National Strategy for Migrating to Quantum Computing Cybersecurity
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Post-quantum cryptography. A new bill calls for a coordinated strategy for migrating to quantum-safe security

Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., have introduced the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act to ensure that the U.S. government is ready to face emerging cybersecurity threats posed by advancements in quantum computing. The proposed legislation calls for a coordinated national strategy to guide agencies to transition their systems to quantum-resistant cryptography.

“It’s critical that the federal government be prepared for any threat posed by quantum,” said Peters. “My bill would help keep Americans safe by ensuring we have a quantum cybersecurity migration strategy to remain ahead of our adversaries and protect Americans’ personal data.”

What Is the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act?

Under the bipartisan bill, the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science, or ESIX, will guide the development of a national cyber migration strategy and identify which systems should be prioritized for quantum-safe encryption. ESIX, which is part of the National Science and Technology Council, will also be tasked with establishing standardized performance measures for migration efforts and defining what makes a cryptographically relevant quantum computer.

In addition, the proposed legislation would launch a pilot program requiring all federal agencies to transition at least one high-impact system to quantum-proof protections.

“Quantum computing is a rapidly advancing and promising technology, but it also poses new cybersecurity threats. The United States must be prepared for these cybersecurity challenges and remain the world leader is quantum technology,” commented Blackburn. “The National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act would ensure the federal government creates a road map to protect sensitive data and national security from emerging data security threats fueled by quantum computing.”

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SEC Launches AI Task Force to Boost Operations
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SEC logo. SEC launched the AI Task Force and appointed Chief AI Officer Valerie Szczepanik as head.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has created a task force dedicated to the responsible use of artificial intelligence to bolster innovation and operations.

The SEC said Friday that Chief AI Officer Valerie Szczepanik will spearhead the AI Task Force, which is designed to streamline the commission’s AI adoption and facilitate collaboration across the agency. The new task force will oversee the entire AI lifecycle, address potential obstacles, and prioritize AI applications for maintaining governance. 

SEC Chairman Comments on the AI Task Force

“The AI Task Force will empower staff across the SEC with AI-enabled tools and systems to responsibly augment the staff’s capacity, accelerate innovation, and enhance efficiency and accuracy,” said SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. “By ingraining innovation into our culture SEC-wide, we will further our mission to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation,” he added.

Valerie Szczepanik’s Career Highlights

Szczepanik was most recently the director of the SEC’s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology. She was also the senior adviser for digital assets and innovation and an associate director in the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, an assistant director in the Division of Enforcement, and a special assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

“The AI Task Force will aim to centralize and align efforts to advance AI-enabled transformation across the entire Commission. I look forward to accelerating work already underway in the SEC’s divisions and offices to build enterprise capacity for AI innovation and implement AI solutions that are trustworthy, effective and mission enhancing,” said Szczepanik.

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CBRE Gov & Defense Books O&M Support Contracts for Navy Medical Facilities in Japan
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CBRE logo. CBRE awarded two task orders for Japan-based U.S. Navy medical facilities support.

CBRE Government & Defense Services has secured two task orders from the U.S. Navy to provide operations and maintenance services for medical treatment facilities in Japan.

CBRE Gov & Defense Books O&M Support Contracts for Navy Medical Facilities in Japan

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 GovCon International Summit on Oct. 16 to gain insights on global defense, technology and strategic partnerships from top government, DOD and industry leaders.

Boosting Healthcare Support in the Indo-Pacific Region

The McLean, Virginia-based public sector arm of the real estate company told ExecutiveGov that the awards, issued under the Army Corps of Engineers’ Operations and Maintenance Engineering Enhancement program, cover the delivery of integrated operations, maintenance, repair, and facility management services to medical facilities in Japan that provide healthcare to U.S. military personnel and their families. This includes the Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit Iwakuni, Iwakuni Veterinary Clinic and Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, the U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, and associated locations at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Camp Fuji, Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo and Hario Family Housing.

The contracts have a four-year performance period, beginning August 1, with a base year expected to be completed by July 31, 2026. The contracts will run through July 31, 2029, if all three 12-month option periods are exercised.

Remarks From CBRE’s Patrick Roddy

“We bring proven capability, regional experience and a deep understanding of federal healthcare facility requirements, positioning us to deliver consistent, high-quality performance in support of Navy readiness,” said Patrick Roddy, CBRE Government & Defense Services sector president.

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Senate Panel OKs $852B FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill
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The Pentagon. A Senate panel approved the fiscal year 2026 defense appropriations bill.

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday voted 26-3 to pass a bill that would appropriate $851.9 billion in discretionary defense funding for fiscal year 2026.

Weapons Systems Procurement

The committee said Thursday the proposed FY 2026 Defense Appropriations Act would allocate $171.3 billion for weapon systems procurement and $140.5 billion for platform research, development and testing.

The measure includes a $280 million increase in funding for F-135 spare engines and an additional $500 million for F-35 sustainment spare parts; an additional $216 million for drone and counter-drone tech capabilities; $4.6 billion more for air and missile defense efforts; and a funding increase of $5.2 billion to purchase additional munitions across the services.

Senate Panel OKs $852B FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill

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Navy Procurement, R&D Funding

The bill would provide $70.8 billion for the U.S. Navy’s procurement efforts and $27.4 billion for the service’s R&D initiatives.

The proposed legislation would provide a total of $29.3 billion in funding for shipbuilding efforts. The Columbia-class submarine program would receive an additional $1.3 billion, and the Virginia-class submarine program would receive $1.9 billion.

The Senate panel also approved a $1.4 billion budget increase for the Navy’s sixth-generation strike fighter program and an additional $100 million to advance the development of a hypersonic air-to-surface missile, called Multi-Mission Affordable Capacity Effector, for the service’s fixed-wing aircraft.

Space Force Procurement 

U.S. Space Force would get $3.6 billion in procurement funding and another $15.1 billion for R&D initiatives. 

The measure would provide $500 million in additional funding for the continued development of the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 3 Transport Layer and allocate $256 million more for classified space control initiatives.

Under the bill, efforts to transition the commercial procurement of tactical ISR to the Space Force would secure a $50 million funding increase.

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NASA Seeking Industry Partners to Accelerate Development of New Space Tech
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Space. NASA wants to collaborate with industry on new space technologies

NASA wants to team up with industry to develop advanced space technologies for future commercial or government use. The space agency on Wednesday issued an announcement of collaboration opportunity, or ACO, to solicit partnership proposals.

Managed by the Space Technology Mission Directorate, the ACO gives industry partners access to NASA subject matter expertise, facilities, software and hardware to accelerate and enhance capability development.

According to NASA, the ACO will be open for five years and will serve as an umbrella opportunity for topic-specific appendices that would be released every six to 12 months to address evolving needs. For the 2025 appendix, proposals are due on Sept. 24.

The agency will host a webinar to discuss the collaboration opportunity on Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Interested parties may submit questions and comments ahead of the webinar.

NASA’s Industry Partnerships Over the Years

NASA has been collaborating with industry for years. Since 2015, the agency has been involved in approximately 80 ACO projects.

Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1, or MK1, lunar lander is one example of an ACO project. The space technology company founded by Jeff Bezos secured multiple ACOs to mature the lander’s design. NASA provided Blue Origin with technical assessments and supported testing of the technology at multiple centers to advance the development of the lander’s stacked fuel cell system.

NASA also worked with SpaceX on propellant transfer methods between two Starship spacecraft in low Earth orbit. The agency worked with SpaceX engineers to conduct in-depth computational fluid analysis of the proposed methods. Data from the analysis and from previous NASA research and development enabled SpaceX to identify and mitigate risks with orbital propellant transfers.

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